AFfirm™ ALK Mouse Monoclonal Antibody - #BF8128

Neuronal receptor tyrosine kinase that is essentially and transiently expressed in specific regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and plays an important role in the genesis and differentiation of the nervous system. Transduces signals from ligands at the cell surface, through specific activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Phosphorylates almost exclusively at the first tyrosine of the Y-x-x-x-Y-Y motif. Following activation by ligand, ALK induces tyrosine phosphorylation of CBL, FRS2, IRS1 and SHC1, as well as of the MAP kinases MAPK1/ERK2 and MAPK3/ERK1. Acts as a receptor for ligands pleiotrophin (PTN), a secreted growth factor, and midkine (MDK), a PTN-related factor, thus participating in PTN and MDK signal transduction. PTN-binding induces MAPK pathway activation, which is important for the anti-apoptotic signaling of PTN and regulation of cell proliferation. MDK-binding induces phosphorylation of the ALK target insulin receptor substrate (IRS1), activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and PI3-kinase, resulting also in cell proliferation induction. Drives NF-kappa-B activation, probably through IRS1 and the activation of the AKT serine/threonine kinase. Recruitment of IRS1 to activated ALK and the activation of NF-kappa-B are essential for the autocrine growth and survival signaling of MDK.

Phosphorylated at tyrosine residues by autocatalysis, which activates kinase activity. In cells not stimulated by a ligand, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta and zeta complex (PTPRB/PTPRZ1) dephosphorylates ALK at the sites in ALK that are undergoing autophosphorylation through autoactivation. Phosphorylation at Tyr-1507 is critical for SHC1 association.

N-glycosylated.

Cell membrane>Single-pass type I membrane protein.
Note: Membrane attachment was crucial for promotion of neuron-like differentiation and cell proliferation arrest through specific activation of the MAP kinase pathway.

Expressed in brain and CNS. Also expressed in the small intestine and testis, but not in normal lymphoid cells.

Homodimer. Homodimerizes when bound to ligand. Interacts with FRS2, IRS1, MDK, PTN and SHC1. Interacts with CBL, PIK3R1 and PLCG1 (By similarity).

Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. Insulin receptor subfamily.